Denny G. said in response to Jim F.-


>>If you had the incredible luck to hear this bird again
>>it would be really helpful to get a recording of it. Certainly
>>the habitat in the Cascade foothills is not right for Boreals
>>but stranger things have happened.


> Stranger things might have happened but hallucinating is probably closer to
> the truth.

Denny, this is uncalled for. There is always a chance that the unexpected
can occur with anything, including birds. For example, one of my backyard
Saw-whet Owls woke up late yesterday morning and started tooting in broad
daylight (likely in response to nearby crows calling). Not only is this
past the usual calling window by about a month for the species, but it was
the first I had ever heard the normal tooting courtship call given during
the daytime (usually the "saw-whetting" call is the daytime one). I assume
that this bird is an unmated male whose attempts at wooing have so far gone
unrequited, and that the cold spring has extended the hormonal surging
that drives courtship. No need to get into a pissing match about what
someone may or may not have seen. Because there is always the chance that
you will be the one shown up and made to look the fool.

- Jack



Jack Bowling
Prince George, BC
jcbowling at mindlink.bc.ca